The purpose of this paper is to develop a multiple linear regression model that describes the pavement’s friction behaviour using a degradation evolution law that also considers the effects of weather, vertical alignment and traffic factors.

This study is based on real data obtained from two different highways with an approximate total length of 43 km. These sections present different alignment features (plan/profile), different Annual Average Daily Traffic and are subjected to different weather conditions. Nevertheless, both comprise the same type of upper layer.

The efficiency of the linear regression model in approaching and explaining data was demonstrated. The most relevant factors involved in the degradation process of pavements’ friction were identified.

The Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction (CTAC) is a research unit of the School of Engineering of University of Minho (UMinho), recognised by the “FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia” (Foundation for Science and Technology), associated to the Department of Civil Engineering (DEC), with whom it shares resources and namely human resources.

Currently CTAC aggregates 37 researchers holding a PhD of which 27 are faculty professors of the Civil Engineering Department. Read more